Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Lama Hamade, Amr Ali, Ayat R. A. Hijazi, Dima Itani, Hala Al Habob, Ghena Lababidi, Joanne Khabsa, Elie A. Akl
Summary: This study assessed the policies of biomedical preprint servers in terms of funding reporting, conflict of interest disclosure, author contributions, and research integrity. The findings revealed that there are shortcomings and lack of important details in these policies.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Dima Itani, Ghena Lababidi, Rola Itani, Tala El Ghoul, Lama Hamade, Ayat R. A. Hijazi, Joanne Khabsa, Elie A. Akl
Summary: The reporting of funding and conflicts of interest showed improvements in peer-reviewed versions compared to preprint versions, but a significant percentage of studies still added authors, funders, and COI disclosures in their peer-reviewed versions without justifying these changes.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Management
Peyman Khezr, Vijay Mohan
Summary: This paper examines authorship misconduct, describes various forms of misconduct, and proposes a simple model to explore the strategic interaction between guest authors and research teams. It also investigates the possibility of using a monitoring-punishment approach to eliminate free-riding equilibria. The paper highlights the importance of efficiency and ethics in research and introduces recent advances in distributed ledger technology and authorship forensics for monitoring research workflows.
Article
Pediatrics
Kirtisudha Mishra, Aashima Dabas
Summary: Publications in medical literature are important for doctors' prestige and fame. Genuine research contributes to scientific knowledge, while fraudulent data harm credibility and trust in science. Research misconduct includes fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism, with the Committee on Publication Ethics providing guidance. Researchers should adhere to ethical norms, and journals have policies for addressing misconduct to uphold research integrity.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Brienna M. Larrick, Johanna T. Dwyer, John W. Erdman, Richard F. D'Aloisio, Wendelyn Jones
Summary: The food and beverage industry plays a critical role in advancing food and nutrition science, but industry-funded research is often scrutinized for biases related to funding sources. To address this, the Institute for the Advancement of Food and Nutrition Sciences has updated its Guiding Principles for Funding Food Science and Nutrition Research to minimize bias and promote integrity. The updated principles provide guidelines for managing conflicts and ensuring transparency in industry-funded research.
JOURNAL OF NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Ethics
Matthias Kaiser, Laura Drivdal, Johs Hjellbrekke, Helene Ingierd, Ole Bjorn Rekdal
Summary: The study found a low percentage of self-reported fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism (FFP) among researchers, but a troublingly high percentage of researchers reporting engaging in more questionable research practices (QRPs). Overall, researchers generally consider FFP to be more serious than QRPs.
SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING ETHICS
(2022)
Review
Ethics
Nicole Shu Ling Yeo-Teh, Bor Luen Tang
Summary: Irregularities in scientific research data/results can be detected before publication by co-workers and reviewers, or after publication by readers, particularly those with vested interest. Some readers actively scrutinize published papers to identify potential problems with the work, leading to post-publication peer review (PPPR) activities known as intentional misconduct exposing (IME)-PPPR. Despite concerns about their lack of accountability, such activities have helped uncover instances of research misconduct and contribute to a self-correcting research culture.
SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING ETHICS
(2023)
Review
Ethics
Yu Xie, Kai Wang, Yan Kong
Summary: This meta-analysis provides updated estimates of the prevalence of research misconduct (RM) and questionable research practices (QRPs), highlighting factors that influence the prevalence of these issues. Results show that researchers often witness others committing RM and using QRPs, with response proportion, limited recall period, career level, disciplinary background, and locations significantly affecting the prevalence of irresponsible research behaviors.
SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING ETHICS
(2021)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Robert M. Kwee, Maan T. Almaghrabi, Thomas C. Kwee
Summary: The study found that radiologists generally pay attention to scientific integrity, with some admitting to scientific fraud, publication bias, and honorary authorship. While their confidence in the integrity of published work was relatively high, there is still room for improvement. It is recommended to initiate cultural and policy reforms to address these issues.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGY
(2022)
Editorial Material
Medical Ethics
Lex Bouter
Summary: Research data mismanagement poses a serious threat to accountability, reproducibility, and data re-use. However, the categorization of RDMM into intentional misconduct and unintentional questionable practice is not accurate. It is challenging to prove intentionality, and other criteria should be considered when determining the severity of a breach of research integrity. Instead of focusing on intentionality and sanctions, efforts should be directed towards improving data management practices through preventive actions led by research institutions.
ACCOUNTABILITY IN RESEARCH-ETHICS INTEGRITY AND POLICY
(2023)
Article
Medical Ethics
Nicole Shu Ling Yeo-Teh, Bor Luen Tang
Summary: Good record keeping practice and research data management are essential for responsible research conduct and reproducibility of findings. Inadequate research data management often accompanies research misconduct. Research data mismanagement (RDMM) can be considered a questionable research practice and in severe cases, an act of research misconduct. This article analyzes the contexts and circumstances under which RDMM can be viewed as misrepresentation or fabrication of research data, and discusses how it can be adjudicated as research misconduct based on intent and consequences.
ACCOUNTABILITY IN RESEARCH-POLICIES AND QUALITY ASSURANCE
(2022)
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ralf C. Buckley
Summary: There can be conflicts between the conditions imposed by research funders and the requirements of research publishers, which create risks and potentially severe consequences that vary among research fields and funders. I suggest that universities report cases of conflict to national registries, which can serve as a warning to grant applicants and a deterrent to future interference by funders.
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jonathan M. Green, Stephen Rosenfeld
Summary: The introduction of publicly funded not-for-profit institutional review boards would align incentives, prioritize research participants' interests, and enhance accountability.
Article
Ethics
Tine Ravn, Mads P. Sorensen
Summary: This paper is the first systematic account of disciplinary similarities and differences in questionable research practices (QRPs), shedding light on the close connection between QRPs and distinct research practices within different areas of research.
SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING ETHICS
(2021)
Article
Surgery
Mohit Kumar Joshi
Summary: Being an author of a scientific publication holds academic, social, and financial implications, but the criteria for authorship can vary among different biomedical journals. While the Medical Council of India only credits the first three authors and the corresponding author for academic progression, some argue that all authors should be considered equal regardless of their position in the authorship list.
INDIAN JOURNAL OF SURGERY
(2022)
Article
Medical Ethics
Shila Abdi, Benoit Nemery, Kris Dierickx
Summary: This study conducted a content analysis of misconduct reports from Denmark, the Netherlands, and Belgium to investigate how (alleged) cases of research misconduct are handled. The findings suggest that investigating committees assess the objective evidence, subjective intent, and case-specific circumstances when considering a case of misconduct. It was also revealed that the percentage of established misconduct varied across the countries.
ACCOUNTABILITY IN RESEARCH-ETHICS INTEGRITY AND POLICY
(2023)
Article
Ethics
Andrew J. Barnhart, Kris Dierickx
Summary: This article discusses the ethical issues related to organoid entities, highlighting the current focus on moral status while overlooking other relevant dilemmas. It suggests translating insights from Judith Jarvis Thomson and Don Marquis' abortion debate into the organoid ethics discussion. The paper explores how their arguments can be applied and what lines of inquiry may be worth exploring based on different moral status assumptions.
Review
Ethics
Jacopo Ambrosj, Kris Dierickx, Hugh Desmond
Summary: Even if the value-free ideal of science is unattainable, it can still be a beneficial concept for the research community and society. Scholars and institutions concerned with research integrity need to consider the societal and professional consequences of endorsing the value-free ideal. Despite the lack of collaboration between scholars studying research integrity and those working on values in science, there is potential for collaboration to understand research and its ethics.
SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING ETHICS
(2023)
Article
Ethics
Daniel Pizzolato, Kris Dierickx
Summary: Scientific malpractice is not only due to bad intentions but also a lack of education on research integrity practices. Research supervisors play an important role in translating what doctoral students learn during research integrity sessions. Supervision practices and role modelling directly impact supervisees' attitudes toward responsible research. Research institutions are responsible for supporting supervisors in being aware of their role and promoting responsible supervision practices. This study aims to understand research integrity supervision practices and the role of institutions in supporting them.
JOURNAL OF ACADEMIC ETHICS
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Andrew J. J. Barnhart, Kris Dierickx
Summary: Cerebral organoid models are considered an alternative to research animal models, but their limitations hinder their ability to fully replace animal models. This has led researchers to use xenotransplantation to create hybrids and chimeras. Transplanting cerebral organoids into animal models not only helps study their limitations, but also allows observation of behavioral changes in the animals.
CAMBRIDGE QUARTERLY OF HEALTHCARE ETHICS
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Vivi Schlunssen, Daniele Mandrioli, Frank Pega, Natalie C. Momen, Balazs Adam, Weihong Chen, Robert A. Cohen, Lode Godderis, Thomas Goen, Kishor Hadkhale, Watinee Kunpuek, Jianlin Lou, Stefan Mandic-Rajcevic, Federica Masci, Ben Nemery, Madalina Popa, Natthadanai Rajatanavin, Daria Sgargi, Somkiat Siriruttanapruk, Xin Sun, Repeepong Suphanchaimat, Panithee Thammawijaya, Yuka Ujita, Stevie van der Mierden, Katya Vangelova, Meng Ye, Muzimkhulu Zungu, Paul T. J. Scheepers
Summary: The WHO and ILO are developing joint estimates of the work-related burden of disease and injury. This study presents a systematic review and meta-analysis of occupational exposure to silica, asbestos, and coal dust. The findings will contribute to the development of the WHO/ILO Joint Estimates.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Ethics
Natalie Evans, Armin Schmolmueller, Margreet Stolper, Giulia Inguaggiato, Astrid Hooghiemstra, Ruzica Tokalic, Daniel Pizzolato, Nicole Foeger, Ana Marusic, Marc van Hoof, Dirk Lanzerath, Bert Molewijk, Kris Dierickx, Guy Widdershoven
Summary: Universities and research institutions are increasingly offering additional training in research integrity to enhance the quality and reliability of research. A train-the-trainer program has been developed by a European Commission-funded consortium, focusing on virtue ethics, the ethos of science, and learner-centred teaching. The program combines e-learning modules with participatory group sessions, enabling trainers to guide researchers in reflecting on scientific virtues and promoting the European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity. The program has trained 470 trainers who have educated over 3300 researchers in Europe using the virtue-based approach.
Editorial Material
Ethics
Andrew J. Barnhart, Jo Ellen M. Barnhart, Kris Dierickx
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOETHICS
(2023)
Letter
Environmental Sciences
Vivi Schlunssen, Balazs Adam, Natalie C. Momen, Ben Nemery, Frank Pega
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Review
Ethics
Seba Qussini, Ross S. MacDonald, Saad Shahbal, Kris Dierickx
Summary: This systematic review aims to assess the overall effect of blinding models on bias, the effect of each blinding model, and the effect of un-blinding on reviewer's accountability in biomedical research proposals. Three studies were included, highlighting the need for further RCTs to generate validated evidence. Multiple aspects of peer review, such as peer review in manuscripts vs proposals and peer review in other fields, were also discussed.
JOURNAL OF EMPIRICAL RESEARCH ON HUMAN RESEARCH ETHICS
(2023)
Article
Ethics
Krishma Labib, Natalie Evans, Daniel Pizzolato, Noemie Aubert Bonn, Guy Widdershoven, Lex Bouter, Teodora Konach, Miranda Langendam, Kris Dierickx, Joeri Tijdink
Summary: In order to promote research integrity, research institutions have developed guidelines for research integrity education. These guidelines focus on different target groups and recommend mandatory training, follow-up refresher training, informal discussions, rewards and incentives, and evaluation of educational events. The guidelines provide practical guidance for institutions to develop a successful research integrity education strategy and are available as publicly accessible tools.
SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING ETHICS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Paul Musa Obadia, Joseph Pyana Kitenge, Tresor Carsi Kuhangana, Georges Kalenga Ilunga, Jaak Billen, Tony Kayembe-Kitenge, Vincent Haufroid, Abdon Mukalay Wa Mukalay, Laurence Ris, Celestin Banza Lubaba Nkulu, Benoit Nemery, Paul Enzlin
Summary: This study aimed to investigate factors associated with erectile dysfunction in metal miners in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The results showed that miners had lower scores in sexual function and marital relation quality, as well as lower levels of free testosterone. Factors such as mining-related job, work seniority, alcohol consumption, and aphrodisiac use were associated with moderate erectile dysfunction. Marital relationship partially mediated the relation between work seniority and erectile dysfunction.
Article
History & Philosophy Of Science
Jacopo Ambrosj, Hugh Desmond, Kris Dierickx
Summary: Research found that many research integrity documents both allow researchers to be influenced by non-epistemic values and include positions similar to the value-free ideal of science. This results in internal tensions and underdetermined guidance on non-epistemic values, potentially limiting the usefulness of research integrity codes.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tony Kayembe-Kitenge, Celestin Banza Lubaba Nkulu, Sebastien Mbuyi Musanzayi, Toni Lubala Kasole, Leon Kabamba Ngombe, Paul Musa Obadia, Daan Van Brusselen, Daniel Kyanika Wa Mukoma, Taty Muta Musambo, Augustin Mutombo Mulangu, Patient Nkulu Banza, P. D. M. C. Katoto, Erik Smolders, Benoit Nemery, Tim Nawrot
Summary: This first study on maternal and neonatal cobalt concentrations in the African Copperbelt provides strong evidence of a high transfer of cobalt from mother to fetus.
JOURNAL OF TRACE ELEMENTS IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY
(2023)
